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Slack List Channels

slack_list_channels
Read-only

Lists channels in a Slack workspace, including public channels, private channels, and direct messages (DMs). Reads from the local IndexedDB cache — only channels that Slack Desktop has synced to disk are returned. Pass workspace_id from slack_list_workspaces to filter to a specific workspace.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
limitNoMax channels to return (default 200)
workspace_idNoWorkspace ID from slack_list_workspaces (optional — omit to list channels across all workspaces)

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
countYesNumber of channels returned
channelsYesChannels and DMs synced to the local cache

TDQS

A4.5/5.0
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Even though annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, the description adds a significant behavioral caveat: data comes from the local IndexedDB cache and only includes channels synced by Slack Desktop. This is critical for setting expectations about data freshness and completeness, going beyond the annotations.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Three concise, front-loaded sentences deliver all key information without redundancy. The most important facts (purpose, data source limitation, workspace filtering) are presented in order, and no sentence is wasted.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's low complexity, optional parameters, existing output schema, and clear annotations, the description covers every practical concern: what is listed, data source caveat, and how to scope the query. It is complete for an agent to select and invoke the tool.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema already fully documents both parameters (limit and workspace_id), so the description does not add much semantic value. It repeats the workspace_id source from the schema without introducing new meaning, aligning with the baseline for high schema coverage.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states a specific action ('Lists channels in a Slack workspace') and enumerates the channel types included (public, private, DMs). It distinguishes this from sibling tools like slack_read_channel_messages by focusing on listing channels, not reading messages.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides clear context: it reads from a local cache and instructs to pass workspace_id from slack_list_workspaces to filter, establishing a sequence between tools. It does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternative listing tools, but the usage context is clear.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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TDQS

A3.5/5.0
Disambiguation3/5

Many tools are clearly distinct per app (e.g., chrome_*, safari_*, m365_*), but there is notable overlap between generic file tools like `file_list` and `finder_list`, both listing files; `search_contacts` and `list_contacts` serve similar purposes; `report_friction` and `report_problem` both send feedback to the team. The large number of tools with similar purposes in different domains creates moderate ambiguity for an agent.

Naming Consistency4/5

The naming convention is very consistent overall: most tools follow a `{app}_action` or `verb_noun` pattern (e.g., `chrome_click`, `create_calendar_event`, `list_reminders`). There are minor deviations like `lmcp_install_upgrade` (two verbs) and `complete_omnifocus_task` vs. `complete_reminder` (inconsistent verb placement). Still, the pattern is predictable and readable across the full set.

Tool Count2/5

With 225 tools, the surface is extremely large and heavy. While it covers many distinct domains (browsers, mail, calendar, files, notes, reminders, video editing, web automation, etc.), the sheer number makes it hard to navigate and likely includes many rarely-used tools. This is far beyond the well-scoped range of 3-15 tools and feels excessive even for a 'local everything' MCP server.

Completeness3/5

For many app integrations, the tool set provides solid CRUD coverage (e.g., Calendar has create, read, update, delete; Apple Notes has create, read, update, list, search; OmniFocus has create, list, search, complete). However, some areas are incomplete: for example, there is no tool to create a new Mail folder or delete notes. The 'web' tools lack a clear update/delete for saved sessions. The suite is broad but has notable gaps within individual domains.